The International Labour Organization (ILO) is deepening its partnership with the Japan Federation of Labour and Social Security Attorney's Associations (Japan Sharoushi Federation) to further strengthen the integration of human rights principles into business practices across Japan.
On 4 March, the ILO Office for Japan contributed to an executive training session for the Federation's directors and senior executives, focusing on global trends in business and human rights, corporate responsibility, and the practical role of Labour and Social Security Attorneys (Sharoushi) in guiding enterprises. The hybrid-style training highlighted how Sharoushi can help businesses-particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)-identify, prevent, and address human rights risks in their operations and supply chains.
Masakiyo Wakabayashi, President of the Japan Sharoushi Federation, emphasized the board's commitment to further deepen members' understanding of business and human rights, which he said is now a key consideration affecting entire supply chains and communities. He noted that re-cent revisions to the Sharoushi Act place individual dignity at the core of the profession's mandate, reflecting the growing importance of human rights in business practice.
Nozomi Tomita, Director of the ILO Office for Japan, highlighted that business and human rights is increasingly relevant in Japan due to social change, greater transparency, and the influence of international norms. He stressed that many SMEs still lack awareness of human rights issues, and encouraged Sharoushi to play a key role in supporting these enterprises' initiatives.
Yuki Kobayashi, Programme Coordinator at the ILO Office for Japan, introduced key international documents, including the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (ILO MNE Declaration). Kobayashi also emphasized that respecting human rights is both a responsibility and an opportunity for sustainable business growth. She linked Sharoushi's mission to uphold individual dignity with the principles of business and human rights, urging participants to connect these principles with their professional experience to support SMEs across Japan.
In closing, Wakabayashi reaffirmed the Japan Sharoushi Federation's cooperation with the ILO and its commitment to advancing members' understanding of business and human rights.
